PADRES THRILLED WITH YOUNG PICKS IN DRAFT

Top three players chosen are high school pitchers; fourth is swift Stony Brook OF

The scouting report on Fried says his ceiling is as a No. 1 or No. 2 starter. He has three quality pitches topped by a “plus-plus” curve that he can throw at different velocities and with different angles. His fastball ranges from 89-95. And his low-80s changeup projects as a plus pitch. Fried’s command was considered the best of any high school pitcher in this year’s draft.

“He’s years ahead in his pitching knowledge,” said Padres director of scouting Jaron Madison. “He understands the concept of varying speeds and keeping hitters off balance. Max knows pitching.”

For example, shortly after being drafted by the Padres, Fried was looking forward to the possibility of pitching in night games at Petco Park.

“It’s definitely a pitcher’s park,” said Fried, who attended several recent games at Petco Park. “Very big and the ball doesn’t travel well at night. The more games I can throw there at night the better.”

Although he had worked out for the Padres and been their guest at Petco Park, Fried said he had no advance knowledge that the Padres were drafting him.

“I found out on television,” said Fried. “I’ve tried to stay out of the talk before the draft. I’m on Cloud Nine. All of it hasn’t hit me yet. But I am on Cloud Nine.”

Fried was 8-2 with a 2.20 earned run average this season for Harvard-Westlake High School in Studio City. He struck out 105 batters while walking 33 in 66 innings. He transferred to Harvard-Westlake after his original high school (Montclair College Prep) dropped all extra-curricular activities including athletics.

The draft continues today with the second through 16th rounds. The Padres will have the day’s first and third picks, a total of seven of the first 100 picks and 14 picks in the first 10 rounds.